Tag: Language Learning

Studying while abroad is, obviously, an educational experience. That said, there are always some hang ups that hinder learning, and there are some things to be aware of that improve learning. During orientation they gave us a list of things to bear in mind when learning a language abroad. The list is quite comprehensive, covering … Continue reading In Conclusion

When I first arrived in Tajikistan I was so excited about every part of the program: the classes, the people, the culture, the physical landscape itself. You name it, I couldn’t wait to do it here. However, I admit that when it was announced we’d be making our trip to the famous Pamirs after the … Continue reading A New Perspective

One of the best opportunities afforded me by the Balkan Language Initiative, aside from studying Bulgarian language in-country, has been the chance to return to a place that is very near and dear to my heart. A few years back, I lived in Bulgaria and taught high school English language classes in the south-central region … Continue reading The Teacher Becomes the Student

My daily dose of awkwardness As I waited for my bus to arrive at the stop, I rejoiced in the peace provided by the music blaring from my headphones. Generally, I use these commutes to reset myself— clearing the slate before heading into another day of “learning experiences.” In the midst of cacophony that combined … Continue reading A Colorful Canvas

A few summers ago, my sisters and I were in San Diego with my parents visiting a park. On the way, we saw a shop selling kites. My parents wanted to buy one to fly together but my sisters and I were apprehensive – we had never flown a kite. What if we spent a … Continue reading Finding Heritage in Tajikistan

As one of the few ERLP students in Tajikistan studying Tajiki, I consider myself fortunate to be able to live life through my target language every day. Like most other participants on the program, I came to Tajikistan with a background in Farsi, the Iranian dialect of the Persian language, but not in Tajiki. While … Continue reading The Living Tajiki Language (Tajiki vs. Farsi)

The kitchen of my host family's apartment is the center of all the best moments in their home - it's where I eat quiet breakfasts while studying before classes, where we gather at night to talk about our days over sweets and fresh fruit, and it's where I have gotten to know my hosts the … Continue reading An Everyday Adventure

People keep asking me: why Vladimir? Why am I here? Why did I choose to come to Vladimir when I could have chosen to study in St. Petersburg or Moscow? What do I do here? When other students ask me, their tone often implies that there must be nothing to do in Vladimir. Vladimir is … Continue reading Why Vladimir?

A few days ago I tried to purchase a painting at an outdoor art market across the street from my apartment. Despite the variety beautiful pieces of the city, I found myself at a loss. None of them seemed to capture the light in this city that is so infatuating. How even on the cold, gray, and icy days there is still an inherent beauty in how the street lamps illuminate the snow falling. Or how the light from the sunset hits the multicolor buildings and makes them glow. The light of St. Petersburg seems to create a sense of magic and mystery.

I started a habit of taking sunset pictures after this day.

It is this sense of magic that makes St. Petersburg, and in turn, the Russian language and culture, so fascinating for me to learn about. It is a language, contrary to popular belief, of love, life…

Originally posted on https://zoeelizabethz.blogspot.ru Lasting Impressions: In Which Zoe Goes to Russia I am from Kentucky, where one inch of snow is kind of a lot. I've always loved snow, but I absolutely hate being cold, and I tend to get cold easily. So when friends asked me, "You do know that Russia is cold, … Continue reading Embracing Winter

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At American Councils, we know study abroad experiences are life-changing. But don’t just take our word for it. Read first-hand accounts of what students are experiencing on AC Study Abroad Programs throughout the world right now! For more information regarding our programs, please visit our website at www.acstudyabroad.org.